Wildhive
Meet the team: Munro
Munro is one of our Duty Managers and has been with Wildhive since 2021. He can often be seen behind the bar crafting the most imaginative cocktails and mocktails. In his spare time, if not watching rugby, sailing or skiing, he loves infusing spirits.
Northern roots
Where did you grow up?
I was born in Newcastle and moved down to a small village on the outskirts of Leicestershire where I spent all my childhood.
Tell us about your journey into the world of hospitality
I started in hospitality with a ski season in Lapland and Val-d’Isѐre. From there I decided that I loved hospitality work and got a job in a family run pub in Rutland. After a few years I felt like I needed to leave home, so I moved down to Southampton and worked in the 4* Montagu Arms Hotel for 4 years. I decided to change it up again and moved to Derbyshire in 2021 to work for Wildhive Callow Hall.
What does the role of Duty Manager entail?
My key responsibilities as a Duty Manager are to make sure every guest is having the optimal experience at Callow Hall. This ranges from making sure every department has everything they need, to checking in on our guests to see if there is something we can do, to make their stay at Callow Hall an unforgettable experience.
Mixing it up
What music do you like to listen to?
I love a mix of Classic Rock and Country music. One of my favourite bands is the Rolling Stones, who I was fortunate to see in their 50th anniversary concert in Hyde park.
You work in a hotel where people are enjoying their holiday, where do you like to go?
My two favourite holidays are skiing in the winter and sailing the Mediterranean in the summer.
What do you do in your spare time?
I love infusing different spirits, I current have Blackberry Gin and Sloe Gin on the go. I am an avid rugby fan and will try to watch Leicestershire Tigers whenever I can. My other sports love is cricket. I also spending time gaming with my friends.
"Munro moved from the south to help open Wildhive in 2021. He has become a key team member, helping towards the growing success of the hotel, and we see a great future for him. Munro shows a great passion for the job and a desire to go above and beyond for the guests and the business."
Jeremy Whitworth, General Manager
Desert islands, woodland dining and NYC
We have a varied seasonal menu at Wildhive, what do you enjoy eating?
Italian cuisine is my favourite, with carbonara being my favourite dish.
Do you have any pets?
I grew up with dogs but I don't currently have one.
What would be your luxury item on a desert island?
I would try to sneak in a small dinghy sailboat and a fishing rod. Not to sail off in, just to have fun sailing round the island.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced at work?
I think one of the biggest challenges was the hotel opening. In particular, one thing that sticks in my memory was only having one evening, once the builders had finished the restaurant, to get everything set up in there. From tables and trees to everything on the bar, with our first guests arriving the next day ~ but we did it!
The hospitality industry has evolved significantly in recent years, with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. How does your workplace incorporate sustainability, and how do you contribute to these efforts?
One of my favourite things we do to improve our sustainability is making napkin rings out of our old menus.
What’s your favourite room at Callow Hall?
Our Wild Dining area, I love that you can sit outside in the woods with friends and family enjoying delicious food and drink next to the fire pits, watching the sun set down the valley.
If you could stay in any hotel where would you go? And what would you order to eat?
I think I would visit New York and stay in The Plaza hotel; I would then go and have the tasting menu in Eleven Madison Park.
What would you like to be doing 5 years from now?
I would love to be managing a future Wildhive property.
Thank you Munro!
